Member success: From groom to employer

As National Careers Week comes to a close, we are shining the spotlight on how being a groom is more than a professional career in itself.

Many grooms choose to leave employment to become freelance, this includes Robyn Lyman. Robyn was so successful as a freelance groom she couldn’t keep up with the demand.

In 2020 decided to become an employer and now her business provides services in over 80 different locations for 300 horses!

Robyn has lived and breathed horses since she was small and has worked hard to ensure her dream job became a reality.

Let’s find out more about Robyn…..

“I always wanted a career within the equine industry, I started this with a level three qualification in Animal Welfare. I later became a BGA-certified freelance groom and clipping specialist.

Being professional was important to me, so I trained to become an advanced first aider for both humans and horses, as well as obtaining an enhanced DBS and many more professional certificates. I believe this helped me to stand out from the crowd and be successful.

Even though I had been working under my name for many years, the ever-increasing demand for the services I offered prompted me to set up Midnight Blue Equestrian, bringing in staff to ensure I could take on more clients. The business just keeps on growing!

It helps to have employees who are correctly trained and qualified, I handpicked my team for their professionalism and their love for being around horses.”

If you are thinking about expanding your freelance business and taking on staff, head over to the Equestrian Employers Association to find out everything you need to know to get your business off to a flying start.

What is your favourite part of the job?

“The feeling you get when you make a breakthrough with a horse, and you can see how much the hard work you have put in is going to impact both the horse and owners’ life for the better.

The reactions we get when our clients see how well we have clipped or groomed their horse. The smile means more than a thousand words.”

Why would you recommend the BGA?

"I am confident that BGA certification provides customers with comfort, knowing that the grooms looking after their horses are serious about being professional."

Find out more about Robyn and her business Midnight Blue Equestrian on her website.

If you are dreaming of a career as a freelance groom we are here to support you and offer lots of guidance on our website, including our specialist Freelance Grooms Toolkit.

JOIN US today from as little as 50p a day to give your freelance career the best chance of success.

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